All Blog Posts Tagged 'BAD' - Home Energy Pros2016-12-10T01:35:34Zhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profiles/blog/feed?tag=BAD&xn_auth=noPolicing DIY.com - stop bad building advice at the sourcetag:homeenergypros.lbl.gov,2011-05-26:6069565:BlogPost:401192011-05-26T17:40:58.000ZGinger MacDonaldhttp://homeenergypros.lbl.gov/profile/GingerMacDonald
<p>I am always looking for good information and resources to share with customers about building science. I really want to engage people to understand building science, and empower them to work on their own homes more. Sometimes, the task of deconstructing misinformation is bigger than I realize...</p>
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<p>Cruizing the internet this afternoon, seeking recources for some customers who intend to take on their own basment remodel. I have found lots of good DIY guides on the DIY Network,…</p>
<p>I am always looking for good information and resources to share with customers about building science. I really want to engage people to understand building science, and empower them to work on their own homes more. Sometimes, the task of deconstructing misinformation is bigger than I realize...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cruizing the internet this afternoon, seeking recources for some customers who intend to take on their own basment remodel. I have found lots of good DIY guides on the DIY Network, so I went there to look for basement recommendations. </p>
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<p>But I am horrified to find them purveying bad advice! </p>
<p>Their "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.diynetwork.com/home-improvement/waterproofing-basements/page-2.html">Waterproofing Basements</a>" article makes this recommendation:</p>
<blockquote><p>An alternative to epoxy coatings is to use a polyethylene membrane. Although it holds back water, it may be necessary to install channels and a sump pump to collect and remove water from behind the membrane.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>GAAAA! Not only are they trapping the moisture in the wall cavitiy, they're adding electrical equipment to consume electricity in removing the trapped water!</p>
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<p>The "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-run-electrical-and-install-insulation/index.html">How to Run Electrical Wire and Install Insulation</a>"</p>
<p>Article recommends running wiring through this wall assembly, and I can only imagine the hazards created by putting electrical wiring through a moist and dank wall cavity. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>On the other hand, I've found a lovely guide that I would be happy to give my customers, on the Building Science.com website. (oh man, I love that website - it's got lots of great technical data to satisfy many of my geeky research desires) </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr-0309-renovating-your-basment">Renovating Your Basement</a></p>
<p>Does anyone else have good, customer-friendly literature for DIY retrofits? </p>
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